Every year, the Far West Section of the American Physical Society (APS) gathers for its annual Fall Meeting. This year, the event took place at California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly) in Humboldt on October 25–26, 2024. With over 100 students in attendance, the meeting provided a welcoming space for undergraduates and early graduate students to present their research at a professional forum.
Advanced Light Source (ALS) scientists played a prominent role at this year’s event, showcasing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of physicists. Hendrik Ohldag, an ALS staff scientist and member of the Far West Section executive committee since 2010, emphasized the rewarding experience of seeing students from diverse backgrounds share their work with peers and renowned speakers.
ALS Contributions to the Meeting
The two-day event featured a rich program of student presentations, poster sessions, and plenary talks. ALS scientists made significant contributions:
- Antoine Islegen-Wojdyla presented exciting advancements related to the technology upgrades for the Advanced Light Source.
- Xiaoya Chong, a Photon Science Development postdoc, discussed cutting-edge developments in machine learning for beamline design and control.
- “Francis” Wei He, an ALS doctoral fellow in residence, highlighted the opportunities offered by coherent x-rays for expanding research horizons.
In addition to scientific talks, ALS staff actively participated in mentoring workshops. Islegen-Wojdyla led a session on career opportunities, introducing students to Department of Energy programs such as SULI, CCI, and SCGSR, which provide pathways into research careers at National Labs.
Inspiring Plenary Talks
The meeting featured a series of exceptional plenary talks designed to inspire young scientists. Among the highlights was a presentation by Carolin Sutter-Fella, a Molecular Foundry researcher and ALS user. Sutter-Fella introduced attendees to the exciting possibilities of conducting science at National Labs and user facilities, offering insights into the collaborative and innovative research opportunities available.
The After-Dinner Talk: A Special Highlight
The event culminated with the highly anticipated after-dinner talk, delivered by Corey Gray, a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) operator and member of the Northern Blackfoot Nation. Gray captivated the audience with an engaging overview of his work in gravitational wave research and his unique journey into science. His talk provided inspiration and a personal connection to the broader impacts of physics research.
A Platform for Future Physicists
The APS Far West Section Fall Meeting continues to be an invaluable platform for students to engage with professional scientists, present their research, and explore career opportunities. ALS scientists’ active participation to our commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific leaders in and outside of the ALS.
For more information about the Far West Section and its activities, visit the APS FWS website.